TMJ? Jaw joint feels misplaced and aches

[Shufflingroundthesides]

Last week i noticed my jaw was starting to ache and was clicking more than normal(has always clicked/on/off)
Woke up this morning and now my jaw joint is stiff and feels not right like its out of line and uncomfortable. Also my ear sometimes feels like there is fluid in it but i think its the joint.
I have anxiety and i am starting to worry about this now.
Can anyone advise me please?

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I have TMJ too, it has improved a lot with use of a splint at night (fitted at a teaching hospital-sent there by private dentist ). I also find sitting slack-jawed (ie: looking a bit gormless!) helps in the evenings. It's , unfortunately, about reminding yourself not to clench in the day (I do it when stressed)and wearing the splint at night. Ibuprofen will help, but managing your jaw (IYSWIM) is better long term. You won't get rid of it, but it is manageable. Good luck, hope today went OK.

Sorry to hear this. Ibuprofen is the best painkiller so carry on taking it regularly until the pain is manageable.

I was referred to the maxillofacial surgeon via my GP so I didn't pay anything for my mouth guard. I will have to pay for future ones but the cost is nominal compared with even an NHS dentist (c£10 IIRC). I had just been to see the dentist so was able to say the dentist had just checked me out and there was nothing wrong with my teeth.

I expect the referral triggers are different in different places but if you are concerned about cost, try a standard GP appt and ask for a hospital referral, saying you've checked it is not dental pain. It is a health issue not just a dental one. I didn't know all this when I went to my GP so I didn't have a sheepish look on my face.

A yoga fan I met recommended the slack jawed thing too. I find it helpful.

Thanks for replies
The dentist xrayed me and said that the joint was completely abnormal and has referred me as an emergency to hospital.

Oh you poor thing. I hope it can be sorted easily. Was he able to give you stronger painkillers? Voltorol/diclofenac is the next stage up from ibuprofen. I think it's prescription only but you might have a friend you can cadge some from.

Saw the consultant today and he said its TMJ but needs to see the dentists xray first(should have been sent) to see damage.The joint has popped out and my muscles have gone into spasm so it cant go back in.He thinks i have been clenching my jaw.
He has booked me in for a MRI scan and given me Baclophen and yes got stronger painkillers now.I have to go back tuesday.

How awful. That's a whole lot worse than mine and the pain I had at worst was pretty debilitating. Hope the drugs start giving you some relief.